Extendable Connector Port

ABSTRACT

Extendable connector ports are described herein that may be implemented in thin computing devices. An extendable connector port includes a floor, tongue, and roof that expand from a closed position stored within a computing device to an open position that extends away from the computing device. An extension mechanism of the extendable connector port maintains a parallel orientation of the floor, tongue, and roof and gaps in the extendable connector port when the port extends to the open position. The extendable connector port may then be collapsed into the closed position by reducing or eliminating gaps between the floor, tongue, and roof, so that the connector port is thinner in its closed position than it is in its open position. This collapsibility of the extendable connector port allows thin computing devices to include ports that are thicker than a housing of the device.

SUMMARY

Extendable connector ports for computing devices are described herein.In one or more implementations, an extendable connector port isintegrated into a surface of a housing of a computing device such thatan outer surface of the connector port is flush with the surface of thehousing when the connector port is in a closed position. Techniquesdescribed herein enable the connector port to extend away from thesurface of the housing to an open position where the connector port isdisposed outside the housing and capable of receiving a plug of aperipheral device to transmit data and power between the computingdevice and the peripheral device. The connector port is configured toexpand as it extends to the open position so that it may be housed in aportion of the computing device otherwise not thick enough to house theexpanded connector port.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different instances in thedescription and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.Entities represented in the figures may be indicative of one or moreentities and thus reference may be made interchangeably to single orplural forms of the entities in the discussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment that is operable to employ extendableconnector ports in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of a computing device ofFIG. 1 that includes an extendable connector port in a closed positionin accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example extendable connector port in an openposition in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a plug connected to anextendable connector port in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example cutaway view of a housing of a computingdevice that includes an extendable connector port in a closed positionin accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example cutaway view of a housing of a computingdevice that includes an extendable connector port in an open position inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example extendable connector port in a closedposition in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates example views of an extendable connector portextending to an open position in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 9 illustrates example views of an extendable connector portextending to an open position in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example extendable connector port in an openposition in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example procedure for extending and retracting anextendable connector port in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system including various components of anexample device that can be implemented as any type of computing deviceas described with reference to FIGS. 1-11 to implement the techniquesdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

As computing devices continue to decrease in size, the available areafor ports, jacks, optical drives, and the like similarly decreases. Thisdecrease in available area frequently results in the manufacture ofcomputing devices that include only a minimal number of ports,particularly in today's thin and light mobile computing devices.Conventional ports, however, are not designed with these sizeconstraints in mind and are typically thicker than housings of manymodern computing devices. As a result, although these conventional portsare still present in larger computing devices such as desktop computers,they are generally not included in today's mobile computing devices.Despite this lack of connector ports in many modern computing devices,peripheral devices that connect to these ports are still in widespreaduse. Accordingly, balancing computing device design againstcompatibility with a wide range of peripheral devices presents aconsiderable challenge, particularly as computing devices continue todecrease in size.

Extendable connector ports for computing devices are described. In oneor more implementations, an extendable connector port is configured toexpand as it extends from a closed position to an open position.Components of the connector port are connected to an extensionmechanism, which extends the port away from a housing of a computingdevice. The extension mechanism additionally adjusts gaps between thecomponents as the transitions between open and closed positions. Whenthe connector port is extended and expanded to its open position, theport is of a sufficient size to receive and retain a plug of aperipheral device.

Components of the extendable connector port include a floor, a tongue,and a roof. The floor is configured to retain and shield a plug of aperipheral device from contacting a housing or internal elements of thecomputing device. The tongue includes one or more contacts forcommunicating power and data between the computing device and theperipheral device. The roof is configured to retain and shield the plugof the peripheral device and, in some implementations, is configured toenable opening of the connector port.

To provide a uniform appearance, the roof of the connector port may beconstructed of a same material as a housing of the computing device. Forexample, the roof may be configured to match characteristics such as thetexture, color, material, and/or patterning of the surface of a housing.In this way, when the connector port is retracted in a closed position,an external surface of the roof generally lies flush with a surface ofthe computing device, such that a closed connector port appears to bepart of the computing device housing. Because gaps between thecomponents of the connector port are configured to shrink or eliminatealtogether when the connector port is retracted to a closed position,the connector port may be included in a device that is thinner than athickness of an open connector port. Thus, the extendable connector portenables a computing device to include ports that are thicker than thecomputing device without increasing a thickness of the computing device.

In the following discussion, an example environment is first describedthat may employ the extendable connector ports described herein. Exampleprocedures are then described which may be performed in the exampleenvironment as well as other environments. Consequently, performance ofthe example procedures is not limited to the example environment and theexample environment is not limited to performance of the exampleprocedures.

Example Operating Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment 100 in an example implementation thatis operable to employ extendable connector ports described herein. Theillustrated environment 100 includes a computing device 102 having oneor more extendable connector ports 104, although other configurationsare also contemplated as further described below.

The computing device 102 may be configured in a variety of ways. Forexample, a computing device may be configured as a computer that iscapable of communicating over a network, such as a desktop computer, amobile station, a wearable device, an entertainment appliance, a set-topbox communicatively coupled to a display device, a wireless phone, agame console, and so forth. Thus, the computing device 102 may rangefrom full resource devices with substantial memory and processorresources (e.g., personal computers, game consoles) to a low-resourcedevice with limited memory and/or processing resources (e.g.,traditional set-top boxes, hand-held game consoles). Further discussionof different configurations that may be assumed by the computing devicemay be found in relation to FIG. 12.

In accordance with principles discussed in this document, the computingdevice 102 includes an extendable connector port 104 configured toextend from a closed position to an open position to accept and retain aplug. The extendable connector port 104 includes an extension mechanism112 that is coupled to one or more of a floor 106, a tongue 108, or aroof 110. As discussed in the details section that follows, the roof 110of the extendable connector port 104 may be configured to lie flush withone or more of a surface 120 or an edge 122 of a housing 118 of thecomputing device 102 when the extendable connector port is in a closedposition. The extension mechanism 112 is configured to adjust one ormore of a gap between the floor 106 and the tongue 108 or a gap betweenthe tongue and the roof 110 as the port 104 transitions between a closedposition and an open position.

Extension and retraction of the extendable connector port may beinitiated through user input at an opening mechanism 114 or through userinteraction with one or more of the floor 106, the tongue 108, or roof110, as described in further detail below. In accordance with one ormore implementations, the extendable connector port includes a lockingmechanism 116 that restricts when the connector port can be opened fromits closed position. The locking mechanism 116 restricts opening of theextendable connector port based on a physical configuration of thecomputing device. For example, the locking mechanism may restrictopening of the connector port based on whether a kickstand of a tabletcomputing device is open, whether a screen of a laptop computing deviceis deployed, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, the lockingmechanism 116 may restrict opening of the connector port based onverification of credentials of a user logged into the computing device.

Extendable Connector Port Configuration and Implementation

FIG. 2 depicts generally at 200 an example representation of a housing118 of a computing device that employs an extendable connector port 104in accordance with one or more implementations. In the example of FIG.2, the extendable connector port 104 is illustrated in a closed positionand disposed on a rear surface 120 of the housing 118. A roof 110 of theextendable connector port 104 is configured to lie flush with one orboth of the surface 120 of the housing 118 or an edge 122 of thehousing. In this manner, the connector port appears to be part of thehousing when it is configured in the closed position. For example, theroof may be configured to match characteristics such as the texture,color, material, and/or patterning of the surface of a housing.

In order to enable opening of the extendable connector port, thecomputing device 102 includes an opening mechanism 114. Here, theopening mechanism 114 is illustrated as an indentation in the housing118 that exposes portions of the connector port 104. As illustrated, theindentation 114 is configured to expose a portion of a surface of theroof 110 opposite the surface 120 of the housing 118. By exposing aportion of the roof 110, a user can open the connector port by pullingthe roof 110 away from a surface of the housing 118. In one or moreimplementations, the indentation is configured to receive a user'sfingernail or fingertip so that the extendable connector port 104 can beopened with a single finger. Although the indentation is illustrated asextending a width along edge 122 that is longer than a correspondingwidth of the roof 110, the indentation may extend any distance along theedge 122 to permit opening of the extendable connector port.

Additionally or alternatively, the opening mechanism 114 may beconfigured as a button, a slider switch, a rocker switch, or the like.In these configurations, the opening mechanism 114 may be disposed on anedge 122 or surface 120 of the housing 118. In response to receivinginput at the opening mechanism 114, the opening mechanism triggers alatch disposed inside the housing 118 of the computing device to releasethe extendable connector 104 port from its closed position. Upontriggering of the latch, the connector port 104 is configured to extendautomatically to an open position without additional user interaction.Alternatively, the connector port is configured to partially extend tothe open position responsive to triggering of the latch, enabling a userto pull the roof 110 away from the housing 118 and fully extend theconnector port to its open position. An example open position of theextendable connector port may be configured as discussed with respect toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates at 300 an example of a computing device with an openextendable connector port in accordance with one or moreimplementations. Here, the connector port is configured to extendrotationally away from a surface 120 of a housing of the computingdevice. The connector port extends generally along the path 302 from aclosed position as illustrated in FIG. 2 to the open position that isangled away from the housing of the computing device as illustrated inFIG. 3. In one or more implementations, an edge of the roof that isflush with the edge of the computing device 122 when the connector portis in the closed position is configured to extend rotationally away fromthe surface 120 of the housing. An opposite end of the roof is hingedinside the housing to expose a floor 106 and a tongue 108 when theconnector port is in the open position.

When the connector port is in the open position, the floor 106 and thetongue 108 are exposed to receive a plug of a peripheral device to beattached to the computing device. In order to protect the plug of theperipheral device from contacting internal components of the computingdevice and potentially damaging either device, the floor 106 acts as ashield to separate the peripheral device plug from the computing device.For additional protection, the roof 110 may include sidewalls 304 thatare disposed on opposite edges of the roof and that extend toward thefloor 106. The sidewalls 304 operate to protect the tongue 108 and guidea peripheral device plug for insertion into the connector port.

In an alternative implementation, the connector port extendsrotationally away from the housing along a path perpendicular to path302. The connector port also includes one or more stops configured tostabilize the port after any one or more predesignated angles. Forexample, the connector port may include one or more stops configured tostabilize the port after 45, 90, or 180 degrees of rotation. Forexample, a connector port hinged adjacent to edge 122 would openorthogonal to surface 120 at 90 degrees rotation and open orthogonal toedge 122 at 180 degrees rotation. There, one or more of the floor 106,tongue 108, or roof 110 separate from one another to expand the extendedport in accordance with any of the techniques described herein. Anexample peripheral device plug connected to an extendable connector portin accordance with one or more implementations is discussed with respectto FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates at 400 a side view of an example peripheral deviceconnected to an extendable connector port in accordance with one or moreimplementations. Here, the peripheral device includes a plug 402configured to attach to and detach from the connector port 104 generallyalong an axis 404. The connector port 104 may be configured to open toexpose gaps between the tongue, the roof, and the floor that correspondin size to protrusions of the plug 402.

By precisely configuring the connector port 104 to open and expose afirst gap between the floor and the tongue at a first distance andexpose a second gap between the tongue and the roof at a seconddistance, the connector port retains the plug 402 with a force fitagainst the roof and the floor. For example, connector port 104 may beconfigured as a Standard-A USB receptacle configured to receive aStandard-A USB plug.

Return will now be made again to FIG. 3, in accordance with thisstandard, connector port 104 is configured to extend away from computingdevice to accept a Standard-A USB plug when the connector port is in anopen position. For example, an open position of connector port 104 maybe configured so that the edge of the roof 110 corresponding to the edge122 of the housing extends at least 4.5 millimeters away from the floor106. A gap between the floor 106 and the tongue 108 is configured toexpand to a first distance of approximately 1.95 millimeters. A gapbetween the roof 110 and the tongue 108 is configured to expand to asecond distance of approximately 0.315 millimeters. Similarly, sidewalls304 may be spaced approximately 0.315 millimeters from parallel sides ofthe tongue 108. Although the connector port 104 is discussed ascorresponding to a Standard-A USB receptacle, the connector port 104 maybe configured as any port, such as a SATA port, an HDMI port, aStandard-C USB port, a power adapter port, and so on.

Returning to FIG. 4, these gaps of the connector port 104 are configuredto guide and retain corresponding protrusions of plug 402 of an attachedperipheral device. Sidewalls 304 are configured to protect the tonguefrom damage that otherwise might be caused by lateral or torsionalforces caused by a user bumping into or twisting the attached plug 402.The sidewalls 304 may also prevent off-axis removal of the plug 402.

For example, the sidewalls, floor, and roof of the connector port 104may be configured to retain an attached plug 402 unless force is appliedto the attached plug within a threshold angle of axis 404. Thisthreshold angle may be configured to retain an attached plug when it isincidentally bumped during contact but allow for easy removal whenpulled away from the computing device. Additionally, the tongue may beconfigured to deform flexibly to protect itself against damaging forcesapplied to the plug 402. Accordingly, the connector port allows easyinsertion and removal of a plug along a specified axis while retainingthe plug under off-axis forces. When the plug 402 is removed from theconnector port 104, the port is retracted so that a surface of the roofagain lies flush with the housing.

FIG. 5 illustrates at 500 an example cutaway view of a housing of acomputing device that includes an extendable connector port in a closedposition in accordance with one or more implementations. Continuing therotational extension example discussed with respect to previous figures,the extendable connector port illustrated in FIG. 5 is configured toextend away from and retract into the housing 118 of a computing devicegenerally along path 502. As illustrated in the closed position, gapsbetween floor 106, the tongue 108, and the roof 110 may be reduced oreliminated. For example, in a closed position the floor 106 may contactboth the housing 118 and the tongue 108 and the tongue 108 may contactboth the floor 106 and the roof 110.

Accordingly, a housing 118 in accordance with one or moreimplementations can be designed to internally house a thickness of thefloor 106 and the tongue 108. Additional storage space within thehousing is not necessary for the roof 110 because the roof is configuredto lie flush with the housing. This enables a housing 118 to accommodatean extendable connector port that expands to an open position where theconnector port is thicker than half of an overall thickness of thehousing. For example, a computing device may have a housing 118 that isless than nine millimeters. Such a device would generally be unable toaccommodate conventional port sizes of 4.5 millimeters or greaterwithout implementing extendable connector ports described herein. Asdescribed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 6-10 below, anextendable connector port may be configured to extend away from ahousing of a computing device in a variety of manners.

FIG. 6 illustrates at 600 an example cutaway view of a housing of acomputing device that includes an extendable connector port in an openposition in accordance with one or more implementations. Here, theconnector port is configured to extend rotationally away from a housing118 of the computing device generally along a path 502 as illustrated inFIG. 5. Returning to the cutaway view of FIG. 6, the connector portincludes a floor 106, a tongue 108, and a roof 110 that are separated bygaps to receive and retain a plug attached to the connector port.

The tongue 108 includes one or more contacts 602 that are configured totransmit one or both of data and power between the computing device anda peripheral device attached to the open connector port. Although thecontacts 602 are illustrated on a single side of the tongue 108, thecontacts may be disposed on any one or more surfaces of the tongue. Forexample, when the connector port is configured in a Standard-A USBconfiguration, the tongue 108 includes four contacts that are configuredto transmit power and data between the computing device and an attachedUSB device.

The floor 106 and the roof 110 may each include one or more retainingpins disposed on a surface to retain a plug of a peripheral deviceattached to the connector port. For example, the floor 106 may includeone or more retaining pins on a surface of the floor facing the tongue108 that are configured to mate with one or more corresponding cavitiesin an attached plug. Alternatively, the one or more retaining pins maybe configured to apply a force fit against a surface of an attached plugthat does not include any corresponding cavities.

Likewise, the roof 110 may include one or more retaining pins on asurface of the roof facing the tongue 108. The retaining pins may beconfigured to mate with one or more corresponding cavities in anattached plug or may apply a force fit against a surface of the attachedplug.

These retaining pins of one or both of the floor 106 and roof 110 may beconfigured to deform flexibly so that surfaces of the floor, tongue, androof lie flat against one another when in a closed position, such as theclosed position illustrated in FIG. 5. This flexible deformation of theretaining pins enables an extendable connector port to restrict anattached plug from falling out or otherwise disconnecting from thecomputing device. The retaining pins may be configured to permit removalof an attached plug along an axis 402 as illustrated in FIG. 4.Accordingly, the connector port can retain an attached plug whenoff-axis forces are applied. For example, a connector port may beconfigured to restrict removal of an attached plug when force is appliedto the plug at an angle greater than a threshold angle from axis 402.

Returning to the rotational extension example illustrated in FIG. 5, thefloor 106, tongue 108 and roof 110 may be hinged at the housing 118 torotate about different axes. By configuring these components to rotateabout different axes, the floor, tongue, and roof maintain a parallelorientation, one to another, independent of a position of the connectorport.

In one or more implementations, a connector port may be configured toextend rotationally away from a computing device using a friction hingethat maintains a position of the connector port. In this friction hingeconfiguration, the connector port remains stable in both a closedposition and an open position. Using the example illustrated in FIG. 2,an opening mechanism 114 may be configured as an indentation thatexposes a portion of a surface of a roof 110 of the connector portopposite the surface of the housing such that a user can open theconnector port with a finger. In this manner, a user may open a frictionhinge of the connector port by pulling the roof 110 away from thehousing 118 to extend the connector port to an open position.

Returning to FIG. 6, in one or more implementations a connector port maybe configured to extend rotationally away from a housing 118 of acomputing device using a spring-loaded hinge. The spring-loaded hingemay be configured as a bi-stable friction hinge, such that the connectorport remains stable when positioned in a closed position and remainsstable when positioned in an open position. In this configuration, theroof 110 may be attached to a hinge spring disposed within the housing.Alternatively or additionally, the roof 110 itself may be configured asa spring that provides the force to open the connector port from theclosed position to the open position. In such a configuration, theconnector port may be configured to remain stable in both open andclosed positions.

In one or more implementations, a connector port may be restricted fromopening by a latch disposed within the housing 118. The connector portmay be coupled to a spring that forces the connector port to expand toan open position when the latch is released. The latch may be triggeredby interaction with an opening mechanism, such as opening mechanism 114of FIG. 1.

An opening mechanism may be configured to trigger a latch to release theroof 110. Alternatively or additionally, the opening mechanism may beconfigured as a slider switch, a rocker switch, or the like.Furthermore, the opening mechanism may be implemented in one or moreprogram modules of a computing device, and configured to trigger a latchto release the connector port in response to receiving input at one ormore input interfaces coupled to the computing device. Inimplementations where the connector port is restricted by a latch withinthe housing 118, the floor 106, tongue 108, and roof 110 may be coupledto a spring that forces the connector port to expand from a closedposition to an open position upon triggering of the latch, as discussedin greater detail below.

In accordance with one or more implementations, a connector port may berestricted from opening from a closed position by a locking mechanismdisposed within the computing device. For example, the connector portmay include a locking mechanism 116, as illustrated in FIG. 1, whichrestricts when the connector port can be opened from its closedposition. The locking mechanism 116 may restrict opening of theextendable connector port based on a physical configuration of thecomputing device, such as whether a kickstand of a tablet computingdevice is deployed, whether a screen of a laptop computing device isopen, and so on.

Additionally or alternatively, the locking mechanism 116 may restrictopening of the extendable connector port based on verification ofcredentials of a user logged into the computing device. In addition tothe implementations described above where an extendable connector portis configured to extend at an angle away from a surface of a computingdevice, an extendable connector port may be configured to extendorthogonally away from a surface of a computing device.

FIG. 7 illustrates generally at 700 an example view of a housing 118 ofa computing device that employs an extendable connector port 104 inaccordance with one or more implementations. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 7, the connector port is illustrated in a closed position. Fromthis closed position, the connector port is configured to extendorthogonally from a surface of edge 122 of the housing. As illustrated,an edge of the connector port that is parallel with edge 122 of thehousing 118 may be exposed when the connector port 104 is in the closedposition. Alternatively, one of the connector port 104 or the housing118 may include a flap configured to lie flush with the surface of edge122 to cover the connector port when it is in a closed position. Forexample, the flap may be configured to match characteristics such as thetexture, color, material, and/or patterning of the surface of thehousing.

Although the example in FIG. 7 depicts a connector port 104 configuredto extend away from the edge 122 of the surface of the housing 118, theconnector port may be configured to extend from any edge of the surfaceof the housing. Similarly, although only one extendable connector portis illustrated, a computing device may include any number of connectorports disposed on one or more edges 122 or on a surface 120 of ahousing, as depicted in FIG. 1. A computing device may include any oneor a combination of rotationally extendable connector ports, such as theexamples discussed above, or orthogonally extendable connector ports asis described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 at 800 and 802 illustrates generally an example view of anextendable connector port 104 expanding from the closed positiondepicted in FIG. 7 to an open position at 802. Here, the connector portis configured to extend orthogonally away from a surface of a housing ofa computing device to receive a plug of a peripheral device. Theconnector port 104 is configured to first extend generally along a firstaxis 804 until a roof 110 of the connector port is clear of the housing118. Once the roof 110 has cleared the housing 118, the connector portis configured to expand generally along a second axis 806 that isgenerally perpendicular to the first axis 804 until the connector portis expanded to its open position.

As the connector port expands to its open position, one or more gapsbetween the floor 106, the tongue 108, or the roof 110 similarly expand.For example, when the connector port 104 is in a closed position, thefloor 106 may contact both the housing 118 and the tongue 108. Likewise,in the closed position the tongue 108 may contact both the floor 106 andthe roof 110. Alternatively, in one or more implementations a gapbetween the floor 106 and the tongue 108 may be set at a fixed distancewhile a gap between the tongue 108 and the roof 110 may be configured tochange along the second axis 806. In these implementations, the roof 110separates from the tongue 108 to expose one or more contacts 602disposed thereon.

The one or more contacts 602 may be configured to transmit one or bothof data and power between the computing device and a peripheral deviceattached to the connector port. For example, the extendable connectorport 104 may be configured to expand to a Standard-A USB receptaclesize. In this configuration, the floor 106 and the roof 110 may eachinclude one or more retaining pins. As discussed, the one or moreretaining pins are configured to retain a plug of a peripheral deviceattached to the connector port. For example, the floor 106 may includeone or more retaining pins on a surface of the floor facing the tongue108 that are configured to mate with one or more corresponding cavitiesin an attached plug. Alternatively, the one or more retaining pins maybe configured to apply a force fit against one or more surfaces of anattached plug. Additionally or alternatively, the roof 110 may includeone or more retaining pins on a surface of the roof facing the tongue108 that operate in a same manner as the retaining pins of the floor106.

These retaining pins may be configured to deform flexibly so thatsurfaces of the floor, tongue, and roof lie flat against one anotherwhen the connector port is in a closed position. In one or moreimplementations, the roof 110 may include one or more openings thatallow the one or more contacts 602 to pass through the roof In thismanner, a surface of the roof facing the tongue touches a surface of thetongue supporting the one or more contacts when the extendable connectorport 104 is in a closed position.

The extendable connector port 104 may be configured to extendorthogonally from a surface of the housing to an open position using avariety of extension mechanisms. For example, an extension mechanismsuch as extension mechanism 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 may comprise anyone or combination of one or more slides, one or more springs, one ormore hinges, one or more cam followers, and so on. An example extensionmechanism for an orthogonally extendable connector port is illustratedin FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 illustrates generally an example view of an extendable connectorport expanding from the closed position at 900 to an open position at902. Here, the connector port is configured to extend orthogonally awayfrom a surface of a housing of a computing device to receive a plug of aperipheral device. The connector port is configured to first extendgenerally along a first axis 904 until a roof 110 of the connector portis clear of a computing device housing. Once the roof 110 has clearedthe housing, the connector port is configured to expand generally alonga second axis 906 that is generally perpendicular to the first axis 904until the connector port is expanded to its open position. In the openposition, the connector port expands to receive a plug 402 of aperipheral device.

The connector port of FIG. 9 transitions between its closed and openpositions through use of an extension mechanism that includes guides908, springs 910, and leaf springs 912. Guides 908 are configured toguide the connector port along axis 904 and may be configured as tracks,rails mounted on bushings, lubricated surfaces, linear slides, and soon.

Although FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration of two guides 908, anextension mechanism may include any number of one or more guides. Theseguides may be coupled to a computing device housing that stores theconnector port when in a closed position or may be integrated into astructural design of the housing. A floor 106 of the connector port maybe configured to run along guides 908. For example, the floor 106 mayinclude one or more protrusions configured to run along tracks of theguides 908.

The guides 908 are configured to allow a connector port to extend awayfrom a surface of a housing until a roof 110 of the connector port isclear of the housing. In one or more implementations, an extensionmechanism may include one or more springs 910 that are attached to afloor 106 of a connector port and extend the connector port away fromthe housing. For example, the connector port 104 may be retained by alatch in a closed position such as the position illustrated at 900. Whenthe latch is released, the one or more springs 910 are configured toforce the connector port away from the housing generally along axis 904.

In one or more implementations, the one or more springs 910 may extendthe connector port away from the housing until a roof 110 clears thehousing. Alternatively, the one or more springs 910 may only extend theconnector port partially away from the housing along axis 904, enablinga user to pull the connector port away from the housing until the roof110 is clear.

The one or more leaf springs 912 may be attached to one or both of thefloor 106 or the roof 110. Once the roof 110 is clear of the housing,the one or more leaf springs 912 may cause the roof to extend away fromthe tongue 108 along an axis 906 that is generally perpendicular to axis904. In this example, the extendable connector port may be retracted bycompressing the roof 110 towards the floor 106 generally along axis 906until the connector port is thin enough to slide back into the housing.When the connector port is thin enough to slide back into the housing,the port may be inserted into the housing along axis 904 until the latchis triggered to retain the port in its closed position. Althoughdescribed as leaf springs, any type of spring may be used to separatethe roof from the floor when the roof is clear of the housing.

Alternatively, guides 908 may be configured as one or more cam followertracks. In these implementations, the roof 110, tongue 108, and floor106 are connected to a track that extends the connector port along anaxis 904 until the roof 110 is clear of the housing. Once clear, a camis configured to contact a follower to force the roof away from thetongue and/or floor to create a gap sufficient to receive a plug 402 ofa peripheral device as discussed herein.

In implementations where the guides 908 are configured as one or morecam follower tracks, a motor may be used in place of the springs 910 andleaf springs 912. In these implementations, a motor disposed within thecomputing device may be configured to control one or more cams thatcause the connector port to travel along axis 904 and expand along axis906 when a roof of the connector port clears a housing of the computingdevice.

To open a connector port, an opening mechanism may be disposed on asurface or edge of a computing device housing, such as opening mechanism114 illustrated in FIG. 1. As discussed above, the opening mechanism 114may be configured as a button, a slider switch, a rocker switch, or thelike. In response to receiving input at the opening mechanism, theopening mechanism may trigger a latch disposed inside the housing 118 ofthe computing device to release the connector port from its closedposition. Upon triggering of the latch, the extendable connector port104 may be configured to extend automatically to an open positionwithout additional user interaction.

Alternatively or additionally, an opening mechanism may be disposed onthe connector port opposite an opening in the housing 118 through whichthe port extends to enable a push opening. For example, the openingmechanism may trigger release of a latch restraining the connector portin a closed position in response to a push on the tongue 108. Using theexample illustrated in FIG. 8, the connector port may be pushed into thehousing 118 generally along axis 804 until the latch is released. Oncethe latch is released, the opening mechanism may cause the connectorport to extend and expand generally along axes 804 and 806 to an openposition.

To close the connector port, the port may be retracted by compressingthe roof 110 against the floor 106 generally along an axis 806 until theport is thin enough to slide back into the housing 118. Once theconnector port is thin enough to slide back into the housing, the portmay be inserted into the housing along axis 804 until the latch istriggered to restrict the port in its closed position.

Continuing with the example of FIG. 8, in one or more of theimplementations the connector port 104 may be stored in shell 808disposed within the housing 118. The shell 808 acts as a shield toprotect internal components of the computing device from contacting orshorting out any of the one or more contacts 602 disposed on the tongue108. The shell 808 additionally restricts the connector port 104 frombeing pushed too far into the housing. In implementations where thehousing includes shell 808, the connector port may be configured withouta roof 110 to include only the floor 106 and tongue 108.

The contacts 602 of the tongue 108 may be communicatively coupled to aconnector that provides a service loop between the connector port 104and a main bus of the computing device 102. In one or moreimplementations, this connector may be activated based on a mechanicalconfiguration of the connector port. For example, a connection betweenthe connector port and the computing device may disconnect when theconnector port is in a closed position. Conversely, the connection mayactivate when the connector port expands to its open position. Thisvariable connection provides additional protections for circuitry of theconnector port and the computing device. Additionally, the floor 106 andthe roof 110 may be insulated with a dielectric to prevent shorting ofthe one or more contacts 602.

The shell 808 may include one or more stops to restrict the connectorport 104 from extending away from the housing 118 beyond one or moredistances along axis 804. For example, shell 808 may include aprotrusion that stops the connector port from further extending alongaxis 804 when the roof 110 is clear of the housing, such that a portionof the floor 106 and tongue 108 remain within the shell. Alternatively,the connector port 104 may be configured to come free from the housing118.

FIG. 10 illustrates at 1000 an example configuration of a connector portthat is configured to come free from a computing device housing. In oneor more implementations, the connector port 104 may extend away from ahousing 118 until the housing no longer encompasses the connector port.In these implementations, the connector port is secured by a tether 1002that anchors the port to the computing device. This tether 1002 may beconfigured to transmit one or both of power or data between theconnector port and the computing device. The tether 1002 may beconfigured as any sort of connector configured to transmit one or bothof data and power, such as a coaxial cable, a flexible printed circuit,and so on. In tether implementation, individual components of theconnector port may be configured to expand away from one another inaccordance with any of the techniques discussed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example procedure 1100 for extending andretracting an extendable connector port in accordance with one or moreimplementations. The following discussion describes techniques that maybe used to extend and retract an extendable connector port of acomputing device as described in this document. The procedure is shownas a set of blocks that specify operations performed by one or moredevices and are not necessarily limited to the orders shown forperforming the operations by the respective blocks. In portions of thefollowing discussion, references may be made to the operatingenvironment 100 of FIG. 1 and the example details of FIGS. 2 through 10,respectively.

A first input is received at an opening mechanism of a computing device(block 1102). For example, computing device 102 may be configured toinclude an opening mechanism 114. As discussed, the opening mechanismmay be disposed on any one or more edges 122 or rear surfaces 120 of ahousing 118 of the computing device.

In some examples, the opening mechanism comprises an indentation formedon a surface of the housing 118 configured to receive a fingertip or afingernail. Alternatively or additionally, the opening mechanism may beconfigured as a button or a slide disposed on an edge or a surface ofthe housing, or integrated into program modules disposed within thehousing of the computing device.

In response to receiving the first input at the opening mechanism of thecomputing device, a connector port is extended away from a surface ofthe computing device to an open position (block 1104). For example,computing device 102 may be configured to include an extendableconnector port 104 that is disposed on a surface of a housing 118 of thecomputing device. As discussed, an extension mechanism 116 of theconnector port may be configured to extend rotationally or orthogonallyaway from a surface of the housing to expand to an open position.

In one or more examples, components of the extendable connector port 104may distance themselves, one from another, while the connector port isextending to the open position. As discussed, the components may includea floor 106, a tongue 108, and a roof 110 that expand to create orincrease gaps between the components. These gaps may be configured toreceive a plug 402 of a peripheral device in compliance with a standard,such as a Standard-A USB receptacle, a SATA receptacle, an HDMIreceptacle, and so on. The tongue 108 of the expandable port may includeone or more contacts 602 that are configured to transmit one or both ofpower or data between the computing device and a plug of a connectedperipheral device.

The connector port may be opened with a user's finger by applying forceto a surface of the roof 110 to open the connector port via theextension mechanism. In one or more implementations, the extensionmechanism is a frictional hinge. Alternatively or additionally, theextension mechanism may include a combination of a latch that securesthe connector port in a closed position and a bi-stable spring-loadedhinge that maintains stability of the connector port when it is in botha closed position and in an open position. The extension mechanism mayalternatively comprise any one or a combination of a slider, a leafspring, or a hinge.

While the connector port is in an open position, a second input isreceived at the opening mechanism or the connector port of the computingdevice (block 1106). For example, a second input may be received at abutton of the computing device or from an input device configured tocontrol a program module of the computing device to control a positionof the connector port. As discussed, the second input may comprise auser pinching together the floor 106 and the roof 110 of the connectorport 104. Alternatively, the second input may comprise a user pushingthe roof 110 of the connector port.

In response to receiving the second input at the opening mechanism orthe connector port of the computing device, the connector port iscollapsed to a closed position inside the housing of the computingdevice (block 1108). For example, the connector port 104 may collapse todecrease or eliminate one or more gaps between the floor 106, the tongue108, and the roof 110 as the connector port collapses to the closedposition. In one or more implementations, the roof 110 of the connectorport is configured to lie flush with a surface of a housing 118 of thecomputing device. In this manner, the connector port is configured todecrease in size as it transitions from the open position to a closedposition, where it appears to be a uniform part of the housing.

Thus, a computing device may support an extendable connector port byeliminating or reducing gaps between components of the connector portwhen the connector port is in a closed position and expanding the portto an open position to comply with standard port dimensions. Thisexpandability and collapsibility of the extendable connector portenables thin computing devices to support such a port withoutcompromising a target thinness of the device housing.

Example System and Device

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system generally at 1200 that includes anexample computing device 1202 that is representative of one or morecomputing systems and/or devices that may implement the varioustechniques described herein. The computing device 1202 may be, forexample, a server of a service provider, a device associated with aclient (e.g., a client device), an on-chip system, and/or any othersuitable computing device or computing system.

The example computing device 1202 as illustrated includes a processingsystem 1204, one or more computer-readable media 1206, and one or moreI/O interface 1208 that are communicatively coupled, one to another. Thecomputing device may also include an extendable connector port 104 asdescribed herein. Although not shown, the computing device 1202 mayfurther include a system bus or other data and command transfer systemthat couples the extendable connector port 104 and various components,one to another. A system bus can include any one or combination ofdifferent bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local busthat utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. A variety of otherexamples are also contemplated, such as control and data lines.

The processing system 1204 is representative of functionality to performone or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, the processingsystem 1204 is illustrated as including hardware element 1210 that maybe configured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This mayinclude implementation in hardware as an application specific integratedcircuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors.The hardware elements 1210 are not limited by the materials from whichthey are formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein. Forexample, processors may be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/ortransistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such acontext, processor-executable instructions may beelectronically-executable instructions.

The computer-readable storage media 1006 is illustrated as includingmemory/storage 1212. The memory/storage 1212 represents memory/storagecapacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. Thememory/storage component 1212 may include volatile media (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory(ROM), Flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Thememory/storage component 1212 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, afixed hard drive, and so on) as well as removable media (e.g., Flashmemory, a removable hard drive, an optical disc, and so forth). Thecomputer-readable media 1206 may be configured in a variety of otherways as further described below.

Input/output interface(s) 1208 are representative of functionality toallow a user to enter commands and information to computing device 1202,and also allow information to be presented to the user and/or othercomponents or devices using various input/output devices. Examples ofinput devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitiveor other sensors that are configured to detect physical touch), a camera(e.g., which may employ visible or non-visible wavelengths such asinfrared frequencies to recognize movement as gestures that do notinvolve touch), and so forth. Examples of output devices include adisplay device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, a printer, anetwork card, tactile-response device, and so forth. Thus, the computingdevice 1202 may be configured in a variety of ways as further describedbelow to support user interaction.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context ofsoftware, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, elements, components, datastructures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. The terms “module,” “functionality,” and“component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware,hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniquesdescribed herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniquesmay be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms havinga variety of processors.

An implementation of the described modules and techniques may be storedon or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Thecomputer-readable media may include a variety of media that may beaccessed by the computing device 1202. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media may include “computer-readablestorage media” and “computer-readable signal media.”

“Computer-readable storage media” refers to media and/or devices thatenable storage of information in contrast to mere signal transmission,carrier waves, or signals per se. Thus, computer-readable storage mediadoes not include signal-bearing medium, transitory signals, or signalsper se. The computer-readable storage media includes hardware such asvolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media and/orstorage devices implemented in a method or technology suitable forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data.Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, harddisks, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or other storage device, tangible media, orarticle of manufacture suitable to store the desired information andwhich may be accessed by a computer.

“Computer-readable signal media” refers to a signal-bearing medium thatis configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of the computingdevice 1202, such as via a network. Signal media typically may embodycomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves, datasignals, or other transport mechanism. Signal media also include anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

As previously described, hardware elements 1210 and computer-readablemedia 1206 are representative of modules, programmable device logicand/or fixed device logic implemented in a hardware form that may beemployed in some implementations to implement at least some aspects ofthe techniques described herein, such as to perform one or moreinstructions. Hardware may include components of an integrated circuitor on-chip system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), and other implementations in silicon or other hardware.In this context, hardware may operate as a processing device thatperforms program tasks defined by instructions and/or logic embodied bythe hardware as well as a hardware utilized to store instructions forexecution, e.g., the computer-readable storage media describedpreviously.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement varioustechniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, orexecutable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/orlogic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or byone or more hardware elements 1210. The computing device 1202 may beconfigured to implement particular instructions and/or functionscorresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly,implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device1202 as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g.,through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements1210 of the processing system 1204. The instructions and/or functionsmay be executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (forexample, one or more computing devices 1202 and/or processing systems1204) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

In various implementations, the computing device 1202 may assume avariety of different configurations, such as for computer 1214, mobile1216, and television 1218 uses. Each of these configurations includesdevices that may have generally different constructs and capabilities,and thus the computing device 1202 may be configured according to one ormore of the different device classes. For instance, the computing device1202 may be implemented as the computer 1214 class of a device thatincludes a personal computer, desktop computer, a multi-screen computer,laptop computer, netbook, and so on. Computing device 1202 may be awearable device, such as a watch or a pair of eyeglasses, or may beincluded in a household, commercial, or industrial appliance.

The computing device 1202 may also be implemented as the mobile 1216class of device that includes mobile devices, such as a mobile phone,portable music player, portable gaming device, a tablet computer, amulti-screen computer, and so on. The computing device 1202 may also beimplemented as the television 1218 class of device that includes deviceshaving or connected to generally larger screens in casual viewingenvironments. These devices include televisions, set-top boxes, gamingconsoles, and so on.

The techniques described herein may be supported by these variousconfigurations of the computing device 1202 and are not limited to thespecific examples of the techniques described herein.

Conclusion and Example Implementations

Example implementations described herein include, but are not limitedto, one or any combinations of one or more of the following examples:

In one or more examples, an apparatus includes a housing of a computingdevice; and an extendable connector port including a tongue, a roofdisposed at a first distance from a first side of the tongue, and afloor disposed at a second distance from a second side of the tonguethat is opposite the first side of the tongue, the extendable connectorport configured to expand and collapse between: a closed position wherethe roof is configured to lie flush with a surface of the housing; andan open position where the port extends away from the surface of thehousing, the first and second distances configured to increase as theextendable connector port extends from the closed position to the openposition and decrease as the extendable connector port collapses fromthe open position to the closed position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the tongue includes one ormore contacts configured to transmit one or both of data and powerbetween the computing device and a peripheral device attached to theextendable connector port.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the connector port isconfigured to extend rotationally away from the surface of the housingsuch that the extendable connector port is positioned at an acute anglerelative to the surface of the housing in the open position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the extendable connector portis configured to extend rotationally away from the surface of thehousing using a spring-loaded friction hinge that is stable when theextendable connector port is in the open position and stable when theextendable connector port is in the closed position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the extendable connector portis configured to extend orthogonally away from the surface of thehousing, and the first and second distances are configured to increasewhen the tongue is positioned outside the housing.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the roof is constructed of asame material as the housing of the computing device and the tongue isconstructed as a flexible printed circuit.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the extendable connector portis a Standard-A USB receptacle configured to receive a Standard-A USBplug when the extendable connector port is in the open position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein a thickness of the housing ofthe computing device is less than ten millimeters.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the tongue is in contact withthe floor and in contact with the roof when the extendable connectorport is in the closed position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the roof includes twosidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the roof, the sidewallsextending towards the floor and configured to shield the tongue.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the floor is rotationallyextendable away from the surface of the housing about a first pivotpoint, the tongue is rotationally extendable away from the surface ofthe housing about a second pivot point, and the roof is rotationallyextendable away from the surface of the housing about a third pivotpoint, the pivot points configured such that the floor, tongue, and roofare oriented parallel to one another independent of a position of theconnector port.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the computing device isconfigured as a tablet computing device having a handheld form factor.

In one or more examples, a computing device includes a housingconfigured to be communicatively coupled to an input device; one or moremodules disposed within the housing and implemented at least partiallyin hardware to perform one or more operations; and an extendableconnector port disposed within the housing when in a closed position andconfigured to extend away from a surface of the housing to an openposition, the extendable connector port configured to receive aStandard-A USB plug when positioned in the open position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the extendable connector portincludes a floor, a tongue, and a roof that is configured to lie flushwith a surface of the housing when the extendable connector port is inthe closed position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the housing includes anindentation proximal to the extendable connector port, the indentationconfigured to expose a portion of a surface of a roof of the extendableconnector port that is opposite the surface of the housing such that auser can open the extendable connector port with a finger.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the housing includes a buttondisposed on a surface of the housing, the button configured to trigger alatch to release the extendable connector port from the closed positionto the open position.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the one or more operationsinclude verifying a user's credentials and prohibiting the extendableconnector port from opening prior to verification of the user'scredentials.

In one or more examples, a method for extending and retracting anextendable connector port includes receiving a first input at an openingmechanism of a computing device; responsive to receiving the firstinput, extending a connector port away from a surface of a housing ofthe computing device to an open position, the connector port configuredto receive a peripheral device plug while in the open position;receiving a second input at an opening mechanism of the computingdevice; and responsive to receiving the second input, retracting theconnector port from the open position to a closed position where theconnector port is disposed within the housing of the computing device.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the connector port includes aroof, a tongue, and a floor that are configured to: extend away from thesurface of the housing along a first axis that is orthogonal to thesurface of the computing device; and extend along a second axis when theconnector port is positioned outside the surface of the housing, thesecond axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

An example as described alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above or below, wherein the connector port isconfigured to rotationally extend away from the surface of the hosingsuch that the connector port is disposed at an acute angle relative to asurface of the computing device when the connector port is positioned inthe open position.

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specificfeatures and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing theclaimed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a housing of a computingdevice; and an extendable connector port including a tongue, a roofdisposed at a first distance from a first side of the tongue, and afloor disposed at a second distance from a second side of the tonguethat is opposite the first side of the tongue, the extendable connectorport configured to expand and collapse between: a closed position wherethe roof is configured to lie flush with a surface of the housing; andan open position where the port extends away from the surface of thehousing, the first and second distances configured to increase as theextendable connector port extends from the closed position to the openposition and decrease as the extendable connector port collapses fromthe open position to the closed position.
 2. An apparatus as describedin claim 1, wherein the tongue includes one or more contacts configuredto transmit one or both of data and power between the computing deviceand a peripheral device attached to the extendable connector port.
 3. Anapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the connector port isconfigured to extend rotationally away from the surface of the housingsuch that the extendable connector port is positioned at an acute anglerelative to the surface of the housing in the open position.
 4. Anapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the extendable connector portis configured to extend rotationally away from the surface of thehousing using a spring-loaded friction hinge that is stable when theextendable connector port is in the open position and stable when theextendable connector port is in the closed position.
 5. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the extendable connector port isconfigured to extend orthogonally away from the surface of the housing,and the first and second distances are configured to increase when thetongue is positioned outside the housing.
 6. An apparatus as describedin claim 1, wherein the roof is constructed of a same material as thehousing of the computing device and the tongue is constructed as aflexible printed circuit.
 7. An apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein the extendable connector port is a Standard-A USB receptacleconfigured to receive a Standard-A USB plug when the extendableconnector port is in the open position.
 8. An apparatus as described inclaim 1, wherein a thickness of the housing of the computing device isless than ten millimeters.
 9. An apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein the tongue is in contact with the floor and in contact with theroof when the extendable connector port is in the closed position. 10.An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the roof includes twosidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the roof, the sidewallsextending towards the floor and configured to shield the tongue.
 11. Anapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the floor is rotationallyextendable away from the surface of the housing about a first pivotpoint, the tongue is rotationally extendable away from the surface ofthe housing about a second pivot point, and the roof is rotationallyextendable away from the surface of the housing about a third pivotpoint, the pivot points configured such that the floor, tongue, and roofare oriented parallel to one another independent of a position of theconnector port.
 12. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein thecomputing device is configured as a tablet computing device having ahandheld form factor.
 13. A computing device comprising: a housingconfigured to be communicatively coupled to an input device; one or moremodules disposed within the housing and implemented at least partiallyin hardware to perform one or more operations; and an extendableconnector port disposed within the housing when in a closed position andconfigured to extend away from a surface of the housing to an openposition, the extendable connector port configured to receive aStandard-A USB plug when positioned in the open position.
 14. Acomputing device as described in claim 13, wherein the extendableconnector port includes a floor, a tongue, and a roof that is configuredto lie flush with a surface of the housing when the extendable connectorport is in the closed position.
 15. A computing device as described inclaim 13, wherein the housing includes an indentation proximal to theextendable connector port, the indentation configured to expose aportion of a surface of a roof of the extendable connector port that isopposite the surface of the housing such that a user can open theextendable connector port with a finger.
 16. A computing device asdescribed in claim 13, wherein the housing includes a button disposed ona surface of the housing, the button configured to trigger a latch torelease the extendable connector port from the closed position to theopen position.
 17. A computing device as described in claim 13, whereinthe one or more operations include verifying a user's credentials andprohibiting the extendable connector port from opening prior toverification of the user's credentials.
 18. A method comprising:receiving a first input at an opening mechanism of a computing device;responsive to receiving the first input, extending a connector port awayfrom a surface of a housing of the computing device to an open position,the connector port configured to receive a peripheral device plug whilein the open position; receiving a second input at an opening mechanismof the computing device; and responsive to receiving the second input,retracting the connector port from the open position to a closedposition where the connector port is disposed within the housing of thecomputing device.
 19. A method as described in claim 18, the connectorport including a roof, a tongue, and a floor, wherein the roof, thetongue, and the floor are configured to: extend away from the surface ofthe housing along a first axis that is orthogonal to the surface of thecomputing device; and extend along a second axis when the connector portis positioned outside the surface of the housing, the second axis beingperpendicular to the first axis.
 20. A method as described in claim 18,wherein the connector port is configured to rotationally extend awayfrom the surface of the hosing such that the connector port is disposedat an acute angle relative to a surface of the computing device when theconnector port is positioned in the open position.